This month’s significant reelection win for Donald Trump has prompted deep reflection among not just Democrats and progressives, but also among many in the legacy media.

It appears the media has repeatedly misinterpreted public sentiment, disregarding the true thoughts and feelings of voters.

This misalignment is one contributing factor to the current trust levels in media, which have dropped to an all-time low of 31%, placing it on par with public opinion of Congress.

In light of these developments, viewership ratings have plummeted for networks like MSNBC, prompting speculation of substantial staff reductions at CNN to address declining audience numbers. Even ABC’s “The View,” which has recently leaned toward promoting Vice President Kamala Harris, is allegedly contemplating adding “pro-Trump” commentators.

On the other hand, Fox News, which is frequently mocked by liberals, continues to excel in ratings and draw in a larger audience.

New cable network NewsNation has also experienced notable growth recently, aiming to attract viewers who are frustrated with the bias seen in traditional media outlets.

The prime-time show “Cuomo” is hosted by Chris Cuomo, who previously led a successful show on CNN until his dismissal in 2021.

I recently had a conversation with Cuomo about the presidential election, his perspective on his role, and the challenges in the media landscape, as well as the flaws in the dichotomous political system. Our discussion has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

What’s your perspective on the election outcomes and the recent Republican successes?

I see this differently. I believe Democrats didn’t live up to expectations because they failed to grasp the public mood. A fundamental rule in politics is: never tell people they’re wrong for feeling the way they feel. If individuals think everything is becoming too expensive, simply arguing that it could be worse won’t resonate. What’s clear is that many people stayed home on voting day, particularly in urban areas, which points to the Democrats’ underperformance. The root cause of this underperformance lies in their inability to accurately gauge the public sentiment.

What did you see as your role in the lead-up to this critical election?

My aim was to foster critical thinking and independence. I particularly focus on clarifying the detrimental effects of the two-party system.

I view the dominance of the two major parties as harmful. The best pathway to restoring respectful discourse and performance-based governance lies in empowering independent voters. Moreover, the encouraging trend this election was that more people opted to identify as independents compared to past elections, even more than those identifying as Democrats or Republicans, despite the heavy campaigning from the MAGA faction for over a year. This is a promising indication, and it aligns perfectly with the foundation of NewsNation.

Trust in the media is at an unprecedented low. A recent Gallup survey shows we are viewed just as unfavorably as Congress, at 31%. This represents a 41-point drop since 1976. What has contributed to this decline?

Trust across the board is decreasing. The rise of figures like Trump reflects a demand for the disruption of established norms. Many Trump supporters differ from him in personal beliefs or mannerisms but are drawn to him because he represents an outsider perspective that resonates with their frustrations.

In some ways, the media is facing the consequences of its own actions. By taking sides, we’ve contributed to increasing divisions among the public. The media’s reliance on clickbait and the overemphasis on social media as a representation of reality has compounded this problem.

Consequently, this has led to a crisis, but within it lies a chance for renewal. That’s why I believe NewsNation is expanding, irrespective of my presence there. My previous experiences at Fox and ABC News, which boasts an incredible array of talent, have shaped my understanding of what influences media culture.

In my career, I’ve witnessed effective transformations in media. For instance, CNN, under (former President) Jeff Zucker, transformed into a dynamic news outlet.

As we navigate through these societal challenges, it’s clear that solutions aren’t simply found in podcasts. Although I appreciate my podcast for its reach and growth, it’s essential to recognize that figures like Joe Rogan aren’t necessarily influential thought leaders in the traditional sense. People are seeking more authentic, less edited interactions with those in leadership roles, which is one of the advantages of digital platforms.

We can accomplish this on any platform. It doesn’t need to be limited to just that one.

You bring a unique viewpoint to the table, transitioning from a large network like CNN to a startup like NewsNation. What strategies are you and NewsNation employing to regain trust?

At this point, we require dialogue. We should support independent critical thinkers by presenting them with various perspectives on issues, allowing them to form their own opinions without leading them.

In light of the developments at CNN and MSNBC, do you believe we are witnessing the decline of ‘woke’ media or perhaps a moment of reckoning?

For me, it’s not a matter of better or worse but rather different. I admit I have my biases; I hold CNN in high regard. My time there was invaluable, and I genuinely miss the people, the platform, and the influence it afforded me, not to mention the financial aspect. Losing that was significant for me.

I don’t criticize CNN. I believe they face unfair scrutiny due to their identity.

In contrast, NewsNation is unique. It aims to cater to independent critical thinkers, and I believe it will evolve to encourage transparency, meaning that if Chris Cuomo leans conservative, he should openly acknowledge that. It’s insufficient to merely claim impartiality while viewing everything through a conservative perspective.

If someone identifies as a liberal, they should express that. And if they don’t resonate with either conservatives or liberals, that too should be stated. Personally, I identify differently. I see myself as an independent.

As a journalist, I actively oppose the two-party dominance over our political landscape, believing it to be undeserved and illegitimate.

There are concerns in the media regarding a potential second term for Trump and how to address his so-called ‘lies.’ Some say this mindset contributed to a shift from reporting to opinion pieces during his first term. How do you think the media should approach reporting truthfully and accurately on someone like Trump without alienating his followers?

Choosing a side is straightforward. Provoking a response is simpler. Look at our current discourse.

“Watch Trump’s decisions! Look at who he’s appointing!”

What have you told us? You lost. He will make selections. He may create a troubling administration; it’s likely to be ineffective.

As a nation, we need to adopt a more philosophical perspective. We need to become less reactive and avoid shallow, sensationalist thinking.

We should concentrate on what is within our control. Avoid placing too much hope or fear in uncertain outcomes. Let Trump proceed with his decisions, let them be examined, and then we can respond appropriately.

What we currently see is a repetition of the mistakes from 2016. You expend your resources prematurely and people become fatigued by the constant barrage. He won, which means he has the privilege to make the moves he sees fit. Hold your fire; the truth will come to light. America needs to embrace a more philosophical approach.